On April 23, 2026, the fourth stage of the Italian Series of Poker (ISOP) concluded its Main Event, crowning Angelo Benazzi as the champion after a dramatic final table that included a four-way deal. The event, held as part of the ISOP Season 2025-2026 calendar, drew 607 entrants, with 63 players receiving payouts. Angelo Benazzi emerged victorious in a heads-up showdown against Rocco Mercatanti, securing the title after negotiations among the final four players led to a prize distribution agreement.
The final table featured notable players including Raffaele Castro, Alfredo Addato, and Matteo Taddia, with Antonino Venneri beginning the day as chip leader. Though, Venneri was eliminated before the final table was set, underscoring the volatility of tournament poker despite early dominance. Benazzi’s path to victory included overcoming early pressure from Venneri, who had entered numerous pots aggressively but failed to sustain his stack through the later stages.
According to official ISOP records, Angelo Benazzi’s win contributed to his standing in the Player of the Year race for the 2025-2026 season. As of the conclusion of Stage 4, Andrea Corinaldesi led the standings with 12,084 points, followed closely by Friedrich Paul Räz at 11,993 points and Florin Adrian Bilan at 8,962 points. Benazzi’s performance in this event added crucial points toward his seasonal total, though specific points earned from this victory were not disclosed in the available sources.
The hand that defined the climax of the tournament was not explicitly detailed in the verified sources. Whereas the original Italian source referenced “un paio di river, uno tra l’altro in bolla piena” — suggesting a couple of notable river cards, one occurring during the bubble phase — no specific hand, player action, or card sequence could be independently verified through official ISOP reports, poker news outlets, or tournament summaries. No exact description of the “most incredible hand” can be stated as fact without corroboration from authoritative sources.
Despite the lack of verifiable details on the specific final hand, the structure and outcomes of the ISOP Stage 4 Main Event are well-documented. The tournament followed standard No-Limit Hold’em rules, with increasing blind levels throughout the day. By Level 18, the blinds had reached 40,000 / 80,000 with an 80,000 ante, consistent with high-stakes poker progression in later stages of major tournaments.
Angelo Benazzi’s victory marks a significant achievement in his poker career, particularly given the competitive field of 607 players. His ability to navigate through a large field, survive the bubble, and prevail in a negotiated final table demonstrates both skill and adaptability under pressure. The decision by the final four players to opt for a deal reflects a common practice in high-variance tournaments, where players seek to reduce risk while still competing for the title and trophy.
As part of the broader ISOP circuit, this event contributes to the annual Italian Poker Championship series, which awards titles and points toward qualification for the Italian national team. The ISOP has been recognized since its inception in 2011 for emphasizing the sportive nature of poker, with structured events designed to accommodate both amateur and professional players. The series continues to serve as a qualifying path for Italian players aiming to compete internationally, including at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas each July.
Looking ahead, the ISOP Season 2025-2026 calendar includes additional events beyond Stage 4, though specific dates and locations for upcoming stages were not detailed in the verified sources. Players and fans are encouraged to consult the official ISOP website for the most accurate and up-to-date schedule, registration details, and results archives.
For those interested in following the progression of the Player of the Year race or reviewing past ISOP champions, official records are maintained on the ISOP website, which lists historical winners from each season dating back to the series’ launch. These records provide transparency and continuity for the competitive poker landscape in Italy.
While the exact nature of the “most incredible hand” remains unverified in public reports, the overall narrative of the ISOP Stage 4 Main Event — marked by resilience, strategic negotiation, and a hard-fought victory — stands as a compelling example of modern tournament poker at its highest level within the Italian circuit.
As the poker community looks forward to upcoming events in the ISOP calendar and beyond, the performance of Angelo Benazzi serves as a reminder of the blend of skill, timing, and decision-making required to succeed in elite-level competition. Fans and players alike can stay informed through official channels for verified results, upcoming tournaments, and continued coverage of the Italian Series of Poker.
To share your thoughts on this event or discuss memorable hands from recent poker tournaments, join the conversation in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the strategic depth and excitement of competitive poker.